Highlighting Agriculture

When Betsy Molodich started “Betsy’s Stand” in 1998, she could hardly have imagined what the future would hold. Her brother-in-law had been selling apples and cider out of the stand for years, but when cider moved from fresh to pasteurized, the business model had to change. At her husband’s instigation, Betsy took over the stand, changed its name, and shifted towards vegetables. It was a good move. [Read more…]

On June 14 the Days End Farm Horse Rescue in Howard County, Maryland, in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Green Mountain Technologies introduced their new manure composting system, Earth Flow. The manure composting system is a greenhouse type structure housing the auger that moves through the manure, mixing, aerating and moisturizing it for optimal compost process management. [Read more…]

WATERTOWN, NY — Murrock Farms held an open house recently for neighbors and friends to gather and see some of the changes that have taken place on the farm this year. In January the Murrocks installed four robotic milkers instead of renovating their current milking system. “We needed to update our milking system and this seemed like the best fit.” With the rising costs of minimum wage and low milk prices, this seemed like the logical solution and a way to jump into the new age of milking. [Read more…]

The Vermont Farm Show has announced it will support the Farm and Agricultural Resource Management Stewards (FARMS) 2+2 Scholarship program for the next four years. The Farm Show has committed $43,000 to the FARMS 2+2 Scholarship program, which provides scholarships to young Vermonters who are pursuing dairy careers.

Founded in 2001, the FARMS 2+2 scholarship funds half tuitions for two years of study at Vermont Technical College (VTC) and full tuition for two subsequent years at the University of Vermont (UVM). The fund is administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, and the student recipients are selected by VTC and UVM. [Read more…]

As the official kick-off to the 50th Anniversary of World Dairy Expo®, a commemorative painting was unveiled on Tuesday, June 14, at the Summer Board Meeting and Friends of Expo Volunteer Picnic, hosted by Vita Plus Corporation. Artist Larry Schultz, of Sunny Beach Farm Studio, completed the painting.

Schultz was approached four years ago about creating a painting for Expo’s 50th Anniversary. He was able to capture an image that combines all facets of Expo — spanning the five-decade history and showcasing iconic moments, animals and people. [Read more…]

BERLIN, VT – Several 4-H teens competed June 24 for a chance to represent Vermont on the 4-H Horse Communications Team at regional and national events.

The State 4-H Horse Communications Contest, which featured separate public speaking, individual demonstration and team demonstration contests, was sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H. All Vermont 4-H club members, ages 14 to 18, were eligible to compete. [Read more…]

Graduate students interested in milk quality could win trip to NMC meeting

Full-time graduate students interested in controlling mastitis, promoting udder health and improving milk quality can be selected for an expense-paid trip to attend the National Mastitis Council 56th Annual Meeting, Jan. 29 to 31, 2017, in St. Pete Beach, FL by applying for the NMC Scholars program. In its 10th year, the NMC Scholars program provides up to four scholarships. At least two NMC Scholars will be graduate students at a university or college outside of the United States and Canada. [Read more…]

by Sally Colby Pennsylvania state beef extension specialist Dr. Tara Felix says dairy steers contribute to approximately 15 to 20 percent of the nation’s beef supply, and that numerous packers are interested in receiving a steady supply of them.